JOONG MO AHN, MD, and GEORGES Y. EL-KHOURY, MD

Chronic foot pain is a common and disabling condition that has a broad spectrum of potential causes. In addition to a careful history and physical examination, imaging tests can be useful for diagnosis and management. The American College of Radiology has developed an Appropriateness Criteria Scale to help physicians determine which imaging modalities are best suited for evaluating patients with chronic foot pain.

CHRISTIAN L. HERMANSEN, MD, and KEVIN N. LORAH, MD

The most common causes of respiratory distress in the newborn are transient tachypnea of the newborn, respiratory distress syndrome, and meconium aspiration syndrome. Mild distress may warrant observation and pulse oximetry; severe distress requires immediate resuscitation, chest radiography, and laboratory tests. Treatment can be both generalized and disease-specific, and physicians should be aware of current neonatal resuscitation protocols.

JEFFREY D. TIEMSTRA, MD, and NANDINI KHATKHATE, MD

Bell's palsy is a peripheral palsy of the facial nerve that results in unilateral facial weakness. Approximately 70 to 80 percent of patients will have their symptoms resolve spontaneously; however, treatment started within three days of the onset of symptoms is recommended to increase the likelihood of complete recovery.

Patient information: "Bell's Palsy," p. 1004

KALYANAKRISHNAN RAMAKRISHNAN, MD, and ROBERT C. SALINAS, MD

The main causes of peptic ulcer disease in the United States are infection with Helicobacter pylori and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients who are older than 55 years or whose symptoms indicate a complication or malignancy should have prompt endoscopy. In other patients, a test-and-treat strategy based on the results of H. pylori testing is recommended. Surgery is indicated if complications develop or if the ulcer is unresponsive to medications.

Patient information: "Peptic Ulcers: What You Should Know," p. 1013